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Location: Northern Wisconsin | Hello to all at the OFC!
I have been doing alot of research lately on a modertately priced acoustic guitar. I have been in an out of music stores for the last few weeks. I just got my tax return back, and am now ready to pull the trigger so to speak.
I have tested just about every brand of acoustic guitar. There were some I liked more than others. However, I really gravitated toward the Ovation, based on looks, sound, and innovation/modern/tech factor.
The guitar I tested was a CC44. It seemed to play just fine. It was for the most part in tune. I liked it. I wanted to buy it right there and then, but I decided to wait and do some more research. Enter the OFC.
When I started lurking around here, I noticed what seemed to me a bias against the celebrity line. I did lots of searches, and didn't find too many positive comments about the celebrities.
Here are my questions -
- The CDX44 was at the top of the list until I started lurking here. Is it really worth it to spend the extra $400 to get a USA made Ovation? Is the quality gap that big?
- What would be the logical choice for an Ovation in the $800 range? S778? Elite T? These are about all I could afford. No more.
I am nothing more than an intermediate hobbyist, and I really don't want to spend more than $400-500. But I understand the investment made on a more quality instument, so I am a bit conflicted right now. Also, I am not really interested in buying a used guitar. Too many questions/concerns with buying used.
Please help guide the OFC noob through this minefield. . .
Thanks for the help!
J |
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Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | The only advice I have to offer is that I have never regretted spending more on an instrument, but I have often regretted spending less. I've heard this expressed as "buy the best and you only cry once".
Spend a little more than you planned, and you will be happy forever! |
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Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by Omaha:
The only advice I have to offer is that I have never regretted spending more on an instrument, but I have often regretted spending less. I've heard this expressed as "buy the best and you only cry once".
Spend a little more than you planned, and you will be happy forever! I don't think I could have said it better.  |
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Location: NJ | EliteT. |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | I agree with you in principle. . .However - it is pretty hard justifying that amount to a non-guitar playing wife.
So if she finds out I spent the higher amount on a guitar - I may cry, then cry again (lame Seinfeld reference).
What is the deal with that crazy paint job on the Elite T? Why?? Give that guitar some normal paint and it is a winner!
Looks like the S778 may be sneaking in to our home. . . |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | You can always buys used US. You'd find something in your price range may even find an EliteT |
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Location: NJ | ". . it is pretty hard justifying that amount to a non-guitar playing wife . ."
Buy your wife a REALLY cheap bottle of perfume for Valentine's Day.
Have her explain to you "wot's th'difference??".
Turn that analogy around to her regarding guitars. |
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Location: Hiram, Georgia | well done to be tight fisted, if you have Guitar Center or Sam Ash, and your are a great negotiator and can play hardball you should be able to get a great deal on a new USA "O" which should come with an Ovation hardshell case, Lifetime limited warranty, for $800 I'd shoot for an LX model. Two weeks ago our local GC had a cedar top Balladeer(nonLX)that sounded AWESOME, a steal for $649. Probably gone by now. You don't know till you try. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | You can find a pre-owned Elite T for between $450-$550. Best bang for the buck around!!
RE:
"Buy your wife a REALLY cheap bottle of perfume for Valentine's Day.
Have her explain to you "wot's th'difference??".
Turn that analogy around to her regarding guitars."
NO.
Tell her the story about a guy you know that did this and then give her the good stuff. Because she deserves the best.
BTW - The OFC is great at spending your money on guitars but be careful using our Relationship Advice! |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Check out Tim Chapman's Redwood.
Then negotiate a plan. |
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Location: closely held secret | $800 or less should get you a nice US Ovation, if you don't mind 'nearly' new. The resell market looks pretty soft right now. Some great guitars have been selling for very affordable prices. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I was going to say what MWoody said, especially about relationship advice. $800 will get you into a nice used USA Ovation and a few new ones. There are thousands of Celebrities out there and I suspect you will be disappointed if you buy a new one. The value will drop and you will see a new or slightly used USA Ovation for what you paid for your Celebrity.
Do some more lurking. Chapman's Redwood is one of the most beautiful playing and sounding Ovations out there. You would never regret it. Seems like Northcountry was trying to sell a Custom Legend awhile ago and that might be in your ball park. |
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Location: big island | oh and by the way, SurferJohnny, WELCOME!!!
whatcha doin' surfin' in wisconsin of all places? |
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Location: ranson,wva | if you can afford it jump with both feet on a textured top adamas....next choice would be a 1114...good luck with your search...jason |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | J:
Listen to the man who says the most with the fewest words - Cliff. Elite T is the way to go.
Send an email to alpep@lostartvintage.com. Al will give you as good a deal as anyone. |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | OK, I need a sanity check. . .
I wouldn't by that redwood Ovation because it is way TOO nice. I would be afraid to play that thing anywhere outside my house.
I am looking for something that I don't want to have to worry about getting beat up. Picnics, beaches, camping, cookouts, as well as inside my house. I have young kids, dogs. . .Stuff happens. I don't want to have to 'secure' my guitar. I want to be able to grab it, play it, put it back. Anytime/anywhere.
Right now, I just don't feel I need an upper end acoustic. Not just yet anyway. I don't want to use the term 'starter guitar', but that is the closest term that comes to mind when I envision the guitar I need right now. I feel that this guitar may get banged around, since me and my family are very active outdoor types.
Also, I am not comfortable buying a used guitar (or used anything)sight unseen, from an anonymous person. I need to inspect, test, tweak, etc. So unfortunately, that eliminates pretty much all used guitars.
So why would a guitar like a CDX44 or a CS347 be a bad choice? They appear to be almost identical to their US-made cousins, and quite a bit less expensive. Seems like solid wood top from what I can gather. Same pre-amp.
So what is the big difference?
I just dont think I can afford the S778, and I am not crazy about the Elite T and that crazy paint scheme.
Johnny is getting stressed!!! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | sounds like you've made-up your mind, enjoy the Celeb. |
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Location: Tennessee | There's nothing wrong with the CDX44. I saw/strummed one at NAMM and thought they were very nicely done. It does have a solid top. From what I can tell, the main difference between it and the US models is the neck and the way in which it was built. The CS347 has a laminated top so all things being equal, the CDX44 should sound better (YMMV). Eliminate the stress ... if you like the CDX44, go buy it and be happy. |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
sounds like you've made-up your mind, enjoy the Celeb. No - haven't made mind up yet. Just asking tough questions. I don't want to spend my $$$ without being satisfied I made the right choice. Not very often I get the green light to get something like this for myself.
And I do appreciate all your input. Thanks! |
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Location: NJ | y'buy the USA-built and down the road if something perchance goes "wrong" with it, you're (in most instances) "covered".
y'buy the Korean-built and something goes "wrong", yer StuckAss . . . |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | GAS (guitar acquisition syndrome) causes stress. There's nothing wrong with a starter guitar. You'd probably be happier with the sound of a solid top guitar, but I've had a mid bowl CS247 that I thought sounded better than my 99 Collector's, both with laminated tops. My daughter has a CS247 with a gorgeous Quilted Nutmeg top that is beautiful to look at, but sounds a little dead. For a starter, just make sure it is easy to play. A new guitar is no more likely to be easy to play and sound good than a used one. It's like cars. You buy the depreciation when you buy new, but you have to take some chances buying used. |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | Johnny - there are always guitars like this one on ebay:
Legend
They're broken in, they probably sound great and you can't beat the price. And you won't be afraid to take it out. |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | Not all of the Elite T's have the flame paint job. In fact, most are solid colored with a textured enamel front and back. That would meet your requirement for having a guitar you don't have to pamper.
Compare Elite T vs. Celeb CDX44.
Both have same pre-amp.
Both have solid spruce tops.
Both about the same price.
At first glance the Celeb is a better deal due to the extra "bling."
But you need to look closer. The new Elite T's have the LX upgrades which are: 1) superior neck attachment with dual action truss rod; 2)scalloped X bracing in the top for better acoustic sound. The neck profiles are different too so you should play both and see which one feels better in your hands. Most folks here who have compared them like the USA neck profiles better. Lastly, the Elite T has the best warranty in the business-good for the life of the guitar (for original owner only).
Before you go ahead an buy the Celeb, try to find a store that has both models so you can compare them head to head. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | You might look into the new Ultra as well... |
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Location: NJ | Mitch;
I'm suspecting that it's the textured paint-job that he dodesn't "like" . . . |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | Originally posted by Mitchrx:
Not all of the Elite T's have the flame paint job. In fact, most are solid colored with a textured enamel front and back. That would meet your requirement for having a guitar you don't have to pamper.
Compare Elite T vs. Celeb CDX44.
Both have same pre-amp.
Both have solid spruce tops.
Both about the same price.
At first glance the Celeb is a better deal due to the extra "bling."
But you need to look closer. The new Elite T's have the LX upgrades which are: 1) superior neck attachment with dual action truss rod; 2)scalloped X bracing in the top for better acoustic sound. The neck profiles are different too so you should play both and see which one feels better in your hands. Most folks here who have compared them like the USA neck profiles better. Lastly, the Elite T has the best warranty in the business-good for the life of the guitar (for original owner only).
Before you go ahead an buy the Celeb, try to find a store that has both models so you can compare them head to head. Post of the Day!!! Thank you!!!
I am not crazy about the textured enamel - true. Bit too 'goth' for my liking. I could learn to love that red one I think though.
Thanks Mitchrx! |
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Location: Round Rock, TX | I bought a fairly nice Celebrity and sold it pretty quickly, but I believe that was due to the maple top (looked great - didn't sound great). My son's Celebrity, which has a spruce top, sounds pretty good for a SSB and sounds like the OP20 plugged in. My daughter's Applause is surprisingly playable and sounds surprisingly good for a SSB acoustically (surprisingly for its price point). Plugged in he Applause shows where the money didn't go.
Do either of them play or sound like an LX, much less a Collector's?
Uh, no.
But they play and sound better than any other thing in anything like their price range. Put a deeper body on 'em and you'd have a guitar that sounds good unplugged and is fun to play. Add in the OP Pro preamp and you'd have one satisfying guitar. Say - that'd be the CDX44.
Don't get me wrong - I love lifetime warranties, ebony fingerboards and bridges, higher grades of wood, LX bracing, OPP's, etc., etc. and, since I have the money, that's what I buy, but if I had a cap of $650.00 to spend on a new guitar I could go with the CDX44 and not look back. As a matter of fact - now, because of this thread, I'm gonna check this one out. If it sounds and plays as well as I think it should, tthis is one that I'll suggest to my friends who want a new guitar and have that price cap. |
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Location: Parrish, FL | Shop the Pawn shops in your area. That way you can try it out before jumping in with both feet. Bring someone else along who can play so that you can listen opposite the quitar.
Another option is to hit the GC and play/listen to all of them in your price range to see what the differences are TO YOU and make your decision. Check out the used equipment there as well. Play hardball and walk out with the guitar right for you within your budget.
Last, decide on 2 or 3 different models and drop Al a line asking for quotes. You'll get a great deal and never have a worry.
What ever you decide, play as many different models within your budget as possible. Play multiple guitars of the same model because there can be appreciable differences between units, although not so much on Ovations.
Have fun and be patient,no need to rush. Be happy, play.
Blues |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | The Guitar Center in Carle Place, NY has an Orange Flame Elite T for $699. |
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Location: Colorado | Welcome to the OFC Johnny!! It looks like you're getting the input you need. But I would like to add my two cents.
I was doing some very similar shopping about fifteen or sixteen years ago. Side by side at my local music store were a Korean Celebrity Deluxe and a USA 1868 Elite both in black and brand new. The Celeb was about $600, the Elite was around $1100. I knew the guys there really well and they knocked the Elite down a little in price. I think they wanted me to buy the Elite instead of the Celeb. I played both. The Celeb played OK and looked OK, but the Elite sounded and played better (and was a classier looking guitar). Like Mark said, some of the Celebs just sound a little dead.
I bought the Celeb and had it for only about a year. Tuition needed paid so I had to sell it. Looking back, I wish I would have saved for a while longer to buy an Elite.
The people here generally know what they're talking about when it comes to what will give you the most bang for your buck. It sounds like that's what you're after at this point.
Buy what sounds good to you and fits in your budget. It sounds like you and your family will enjoy it very much. Best of luck. |
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Location: Omaha, NE | Originally posted by SurferJohnny:
However - it is pretty hard justifying that amount to a non-guitar playing wife. Even if guitars only cost $2, that's money that could be better spent buying a Happy Meal for the kids, or paying down the principal on the mortgage.
Justify has nothing to do with it. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Originally posted by Todd G.:
The people here generally know what they're talking about when it comes to what will give you the most bang for your buck. Generally? Ouch. I didn't knock the groups' credibility down at all, did I? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub |  |
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Location: Cicero, NY | (sigh) |
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Location: Colorado | Ouch. Be nice Jeff.
Can you forgive me Weaser? (walks on eggshells) |
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Location: Cicero, NY | No forgiveness necessary, Todd. Just funnin' 'round. ;) |
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Location: Colorado | Sorry, you probably couldn't see the grin on my face as I tip-toed away.
This board has been alot of fun. I'm glad Johnny has joined us here. |
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Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Weaser P:
I didn't knock the groups' credibility down at all, did I? It's a weighted average, Weaz. We needed a weight. You're it.
There's no shame in it. |
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Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by MWoody:
Check out Tim Chapman's Redwood.
Then negotiate a plan. Just don't buy any hats from him. 
BTW - The OFC is great at spending your money on guitars but be careful using our Relationship Advice!
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Location: Utah | Surfer, we bought my daughter a red flame Elite T a couple of years ago, and it is an amazing guitar for the money. You will never be disappointed by it.
Definitely try Alpep to see what kind of deals he has going. Your local Guitar Center might be willing to go low on one that's been in stock too long. That one mentioned above for $699 sounds like a great buy. |
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Location: Hiram, Georgia | Shopping for the "ONE" guitar is a lot like choosing the spouse that you intend to spend your life with. When you find the "ONE" you'll know, no one else can decide that for you.
Don't jump into something cheaper, because you can. Be selective, just how you were when you chose your wife. When she played hard to get you rose to the challenge, you just had to have her. All that "freedom" you were giving up, but she's worth it all, and you thank GOD for her everyday.
You have done good that you have narrowed you choice down to an Ovation, don't make the wrong choice now that you are so close.
My wife is just about the most valuable thing in my life, and there is not a better guitar value out there, than an Ovation.
Now git out there and try some guitars and when you find the right one, YOU'LL KNOW!!! |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
You can always buys used US. You'd find something in your price range may even find an EliteT There was an Elite T, on E-baaa, with Flames and a case $500 BIN.
(the OFC is probably sick of me mentioning it. But I'm still kicking myself) |
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Location: Taiwan | A balladeer might be more the style you're looking for, if you're not into the flame thing. My LX was $800 with nice case about 5 months ago.
But I'm not sure a U.S. made Ovation is what you're looking for if you're planning on dragging it about as you suggest. Maybe a Celebrity would do the trick temporarily and then be your camping guitar after you save up for a nicer Ovation.
Not to steer you away from Ovations, but I sure have read a LOT of good things about the Big Baby Taylor (even here) and I may get one to serve the purpose you're talking about. They are $400 new.
My balladeer is too nice to take camping IMHO. |
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Location: Warren,Pa. | Although I'm biased toward the US models, the Celeb you're looking at may be just fine for you.
Only 2 issues I can see: 1)The neck on the Celeb is way inferior to a US neck. 2) If you have any problems with the Celeb in the future you're stuck,whereas if you have problems with a USA model the folks at the factory will take real good care of you.
I'd see what Al has in your price range. Give him a call.
John <>{ |
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Location: Colorado | Well said guys.
See--I told you these guys know what they're talking about. Feel better Weez? :) |
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Location: Cicero, NY | I do. ;) |
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Location: Michigan | Surferjohnny, You have to decide if you want to make an investment into a guitar or get something that you enjoy playing and get gratification out of.All of us want both but
if you want a sure bet buy a Martin and hold onto it for 50 years and you will get both.
My recommendation::::::::
INVESTMENT==== GET A ..... C.D. at 8% interest
OR
A GUITAR ======== BUY WHAT FEELS GOOD & SOUNDS GOOD TO YOU.AS YOU SAY , SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN TAKE ALONG WITH YOU ANYWHERE ANYTIME AND IF IT GETS A CHIP OR A SCRATCH ON IT YOU CAN JUST SAY FUC#%& A MAN....
MAKE SURE YOU BUY SOMETHING THAT YOU LIKE NOT SOMETHING SOMEONE ELSE THINKS YOU SHOULD LIKE. GWB |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Check out Tim Chapman's Redwood ...
I strongly agreee ... That would be a great INVESTMENT (key word for the wife), and after dealing with the wife at one time over my 11th, I've learned that once its here ... she'll get over it. I have however whittled the collection down a bit to keep peace on the home front. |
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Location: NW NJ | Elite T. Awesome axe for the price ... aww forget the price - awesome axe for any price. |
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Location: RI. That small State out East | My 2 cents...
"Re-Think" the 2nd hand guitar. If you want keep $150.00 in the hole for a trip to the mother ship for a "final" adjustment...
The deals on ebay or this board are tooooo good to pass up.
That beach guitar, dogs and kids... Has me thinking a used Legend... Get a cut away + on board tuner...
Well under your budget.
The USA quality on the "used" guitar will kick ass on the Celeb. and cost you... $500 to $600.
Woz |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | On the second-hand point-- I bought a 33 year-old 1621 that is a Great Guitar. The top is seasoned and full. I got it off the Baaa from an OFCer. I don't take it out, but I could. It is old and sturdy, and I got it for a disgustingly reasonable price. If you bought used from and OFCer, they probably wouldn't sell you junk, or they would at least warn you first.
As to the pawn-shop idea, and least you can try-out a used first. And go to Auto Zone, and get a little mirror-on-a-stick... Then you can check the bracing it you are that paranoid.
Considering used, I figure that if it has survived for a decade or two, it is probably a dependable guitar. |
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Opinions Needed